5 Things I learned While Hosting a TEDx

The TED and TEDx communities are very close-knit groups. People of all areas of study, industries, levels of education, and walks of life come together to share new ideas and open their minds. While it can be very difficult to obtain tickets for an event, it is even more difficult to obtain a coveted place on the stage to present your "Idea Worth Spreading".

While nonprofit by design, these events cost huge amounts of money (provided by sponsors and donors) and countless man hours.

I was recently honored be the curator and host of TEDxSugarLand. It was an amazing experience and here are some of the insights that I have taken with me:

1. Always Have Contingencies... People often over-commit themselves

In the early stages of any project, especially a TEDx, people are idealistic and enthusiastic about the end result. In this initial excitement, people over-commit themselves for time and for responsibilities. As the project moves forward it can be easy to forget the initial excitement that inspired people's commitment to its fruition. Life doesn't occur in a controlled environment and it is impossible for people to predict the future. Other priorities begin to take precedent over the project. It is at this time that it is important to have contingencies in place. Have a plan 'B', have substitutes, have additional resources that can pick up the slack when needed. It is important that you not put too much stock in the efforts of any single individual. Contingencies are needed for any endeavor.

2. Stay Optimistic!

Problems are going to arise during undertakings of this scale. It is important to maintain a positive attitude in the face of setbacks. While frustration is guaranteed with any collaboration, maintaining enthusiasm can bring collaborators back to the common goal at hand. A positive attitude will always help you reach the best resolution sooner than focusing on the negative. While very important in business, optimism is applicable to all aspect of life. If you focus on the negatives, that is all you will see.

3. Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

In any project, small issues can take up the majority of your time. Like flies at a picnic, you end up trying to swat at them continually to no resolution. Too often people rush from problem to problem without stepping back to view the larger picture. If we are continually putting out the small fires we end up neglecting the most important things. Everyone has to handle menial issues from time to time, the key is to ignore the things that don't matter and to not focus on the things that you cannot affect. Instead, take charge of the large project aspirations and focus on the overall success. You cannot win every battle.

4. There is No Substitute for Great People

When building a team for any project, there will always be outstanding individuals. These lynchpins are the most important piece for success. You can accomplish anything when your team shares a common vision for the end result. Teams that are truly engaged and committed to success will accomplish more than could possibly be expected! Having great people pulling in the same direction means fewer problems and peace of mind. Select team members for their attitude and they will learn the necessary skillsets.

5. Passion ALWAYS beats knowledge

The people that contributed to our success the most were not the smartest, they were the most passionate. The individuals that were the most excited and enthusiastic to be part of this project were the ones looking for solutions. While we were honored to have so many intelligent and well educated people working on this event, the passion that people brought with them was the most valuable asset. When you are passionate about something, success isn't an option... in their minds its the only possible outcome and they will find a way to make it happen. While formal education is a wonderful thing, it was passion that caused people to contribute the most value to our event.

Conclusion: Would I do it again?

So, would I host/curate another TEDx? YES! Without a second thought, yes! The wonderful people I met, the amazing ideas, and the sense of awe and wonder that surrounded the event are still palpable. While it required huge commitments from everyone involved, the end result was phenomenal. TEDxSugarLand would never have happened with out the passionate volunteers, speakers, and sponsors.

I can hardly wait for the next event.

Strive for passion and always retain your enthusiasm!

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Joshua M. Evans is founder of Enthusiastic You!, a company that assists organizations and high-potential individuals reignite their passion and enthusiasm in all that they do. He believes that genuine enthusiasm is essential to our individual and organizational success. Josh's mission is to help people rediscover and redevelop authentic passion for the work that they do.

?Joshua is a #1 best selling author in Leadership/Management Training, a TEDx Host/Curator, Enthusiasm advocate, International Speaker, and avid traveler.

Need help creating an environment of Enthusiasm in your business? Contact us to start a conversation: www.enthusiasticyou.com/contact  

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